Insurance — Chile

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Acuña, Hoetz & Cifuentes - Insurance Department

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Band 1

第一等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

Basic facts about the department- approximately 7 qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Outstanding insurance boutique with a long-standing presence in the Chilean market. Fields a stellar bench of lawyers frequently seen advising both national and international insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers on regulatory matters, the preparation of policies, loss adjustment and related litigation. Offers additional expertise in underwriting and insurance claims.

Strengths Sources underline the exceptional quality of the insurance practice.

Notable practitioners

Leading practitioner Alejandro Acuña Murray is highly esteemed for his expertise in high-profile insurance-related disputes. Clients describe him as "an excellent litigator," adding: "He is probably one of the best and most well-recognised lawyers in Chile." He has additional capabilities advising on arbitration mandates.

Partner Felipe Hoetz has long-standing expertise in the insurance field, and is praised by market sources for the breadth of his experience in insurance-related law, which also spans reinsurance and loss adjustment.

About the Team (content provided by Acuña, Hoetz & Cifuentes )

This boutique law firm provides customized, top-quality legal advice to local and international insurance/reinsurance companies and brokers, with a focus on high-value losses. It is best known for having been involved in practically all the largest insured losses occurred in Chile in the past 30 years, during the adjustment and settlement stages, as well as in subsequent judicial proceedings/arbitrations and in complex subrogation actions.

Both the firm and its Senior Partner, Alejandro Acuña, have been ranked in Band 1 as of when Chambers & Partners Latin America included insurance as a new practice area in 2012. They both have also being ranked as leading firm and leading individual by Legal 500 as of 2012; and Mr. Acuña was appointed ´Lawyer of the Year´ by Best Lawyers 2015 (Insurance). Felipe Hoetz is ranked in Band 3.

Our law firm is known for its independence as partners do not have ownership ties with loss adjusting firms or local insurance companies nor do they sit at the board of any of them.

Estudio Carvallo - Insurance Department

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Band 1

第一等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Prestigious insurance firm occupying a leading position in the Chilean market. Regularly advises a range of local and international clients on sector-related contracts, insurance fraud and disputes instigated by third parties. Frequently retained by insurance and reinsurance companies for preparation bids, coverage analysis and defence of liability policies. Further expertise assisting with M&A transactions within the insurance sphere. WOM is a new client win.

Strengths Interviewees state: "The lawyers' attitude is very positive and whenever they have issues they raise them immediately; you can trust them because they are open and transparent. They are always available and I know that I can count on the senior partners whenever required."

Work highlights Represented Concesionaria Costanera Norte in the defence of its liability over flooding in Las Condes and Providencia in April 2016. This matter is potentially valued up to USD200 million.

Leading insurance expert Manuel Carvallo co-leads the practice, and is widely recognised for his experience in insurance fraud and marine insurance matters. Clients describe him as "efficient, responsible and reliable," with one source adding: "As a lawyer he looks to avoid confrontations, and instead tries to build bridges to solve legal problems. He provides insight into the legal system and with his level of technical advice, I feel very comfortable working with him."

DAC Beachcroft Chile - Insurance Department

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Band 2

第二等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Highly regarded firm fielding a strong bench of lawyers. Offers extensive experience advising on civil liability, insurance fraud and medical malpractice claims for insurance and reinsurance companies. Further expertise includes sector-related litigation and arbitration, as well as policy negotiation with national financial institutions. New client wins include Navigators and PartnerRe.

Strengths Clients describe DAC Beachcroft as a "brilliant firm," adding: "The firm has a global reach, and the lawyers give us a very realistic view of where we are, they are very clear about how things work and provide an excellent, reliable service. If we have something really difficult they are always our first port of call."

Work highlights Advised Zurich on a civil liability policy following a listeria outbreak, valued at USD100 million.

Partner Andrés Amunátegui heads the practice and advises on insurance-related litigation, complex claims, loss-adjustments and recovery actions. Clients praise his market knowledge and attention to detail, adding: "He is very good professionally, very clear when outlining his ideas, and he generates a lot of trust."

About the Team (content provided by DAC Beachcroft Chile)

The team in Chile provides an extensive service to insurers and reinsurers, with a particular strength in advising on complex and high-value claims. Our expert team understands that their clients want straightforward and clear legal advice, and they want long-term relationships with lawyers who are able to resolve disputes through arbitration and mediation, as well as litigation.

A Unique Service for the International Market

Unique service for the international market (reinsurers based in Bogotá, Miami, New York, London and Madrid), we are the eyes and ears of our clients locally for handling large losses

The team combine the mix of local knowledge and international expertise, so clients put their trust in us to represent their interests before the cedant, the adjuster, the broker and the Insured

We report to the international market on a regular basis under the London market standard, which represents a high level of understanding, especially considering the cultural differences.

Being a proper DAC Beachcroft office in this jurisdiction opens the local practice to the globe, which means that the team works in collaboration with the rest of our network of offices throughout Latina America, UK, and Spain – offering a unique service on the international

Carey - Insurance Department

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Band 3

第三等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Well-regarded firm with a strong insurance team. Regularly advises clients such as multinationals, banks, brokers and pension funds, as well as insurance and reinsurance companies. Possesses experience handling regulatory issues, loss adjustment proceedings and related disputes. Fairfax Financial Holdings, Fennia Mutual Insurance Company and AELA Generación are new client wins.

Strengths Market onlookers highlight the quality of the team, commenting: "The lawyers are very precise and have a great deal of expertise. They respond rapidly and have experience across many different areas, in such a way that they can always help us if we ever have a problem that is out of the ordinary."

Work highlights Assisted Parque Titanium and Torre A with the loss adjustment process and enforcement of insurance policies concerning the flooding of office buildings in Santiago, valued at approximately USD95 million.

Matías Vergara is highly experienced in advising insurance companies on regulatory and administrative issues. He is widely praised by clients, with one interviewee stating: "I would highlight Matías for his knowledge, the way he presents himself, and the clear way in which he speaks to other parties during the discussions."

About the Team (content provided by Carey)

Carey’s Insurance and Reinsurance practice has a long tradition of representing leading Chilean and global insurers, reinsurers, financial institutions, brokers and insured businesses, on regulatory, corporate, transactional/M&A and dispute resolution matters.

Carey has assisted some of these clients in the insurance industry’s largest M&A deals in Chile and continues to provide advice to many of them on their ongoing regulatory, corporate, litigation, finance, transactional and tax matters, including serving as advisor and conducting their day-to-day relationship with the insurance regulator.

Carey also has substantial expertise working alongside insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers, representing lenders or borrowers in connection with project finance insurance packages. In addition, Carey advises leading international banks and financial institutions in the design, implementation and marketing of new insurance products and instruments.

The Insurance and Reinsurance practice also has significant experience in insurance claims, including preliminary loss and claim analyses, filings, loss adjustments, negotiations and dispute resolution processes.

Molina, Ríos Abogados - Insurance Department

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Band 3

第三等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Established insurance boutique frequently acting as adviser to insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers. Expertise includes domestic and international credit insurance, construction insurance, guarantee insurance, life insurance and related litigation and arbitration. Possesses further capabilities in handling civil responsibility risks.

Strengths Market commentators note: "The firm is very well known in the field of insurance, with lawyers that are very technical and focused in this area. They have many years of experience, particularly in credit insurance and risk construction insurance."

Work highlights Represented Solunion Credit Insurance in an arbitration against Transoceánica regarding guarantee insurance, resulting in the payment of damages worth USD35 million.

Partner Carlos Molina co-heads the practice, and is well known for his expertise in guarantee and credit insurance. Sources describe him as "a great lawyer," adding: "Carlos has a lot of specialised expertise and market knowledge, as well as experience handling infrastructure and construction insurance. He is also a great litigator and arbitrator."

Prieto Abogados - Insurance Department

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Band 3

第三等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Respected practice with long-standing experience in the insurance field. Regularly represents insurance and reinsurance companies, insurance brokers and insured companies on litigation related to claims and recoveries, as well as M&A transactions. Well equipped to advise on life, property, casualty and credit insurance policies, with additional knowledge of regulatory compliance.

Strengths Sources highlight "their experience in the insurance market, which is very helpful in setting out the next steps of product development, and that they are very professional and provide effective solutions."

Work highlights Advised Assurant Chile Compañía de Seguros Generales on the bidding process for the implementation of disaster mortgage protection, a new line of insurance in Chile.

Given the existence of representative clients in these markets, the Firm’s counseling in these matters includes all the areas related to them, such as insurance lawsuits, mergers and acquisitions of insurance companies, corporate and capital market matters, financing, real estate and tax aspects. In reinsurance, Prieto represents several international reinsurance companies and brokers.

The insurance department of Prieto has an outstanding team of specialists, which includes an ex-Commissioner of the Securities and Insurance Commission.

Vergara Fernandez Costa & Claro - Insurance Department

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Band 3

第三等

Chambers Commentary
(based on the Chambers research)

What the team is known for Respected insurance boutique recognised for its expertise in loss-adjustment matters and related litigation, and the management and defence of insurance claims. Frequently advises insured companies from a range of sectors, including the construction, utilities and banking industries, on their negotiations with insurers and adjustors.

Strengths Market commentators praise the firm, saying: "The team is very focused on insurance law and offers a great deal of expertise. They regularly advise insured parties."

Work highlights Represented Empresa Portuaria Iquique in the defence of a loss adjustment claim of around USD70 million, following an earthquake in April 2014 that left two dock sites unusable.

Significant clients Confuturo, Besalco, Bci, Aguas Chañar, Icafal.

Notable practitioners

Partner and co-head of department Gloria Claro is highlighted by market sources for her knowledge of insurance law. They describe her as "a great lawyer," and "an expert in this area." She offers significant expertise representing insured companies with their claims.

Partner Sergio Fernández jointly leads the practice, and offers a wealth of experience in handling the commercial aspects of insurance law. He frequently advises clients in the construction, utilities and power generation industries.

Up and Coming

Senior Statesmen

Osvaldo Contreras

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Senior statesman Osvaldo Contreras of Contreras & Cía is widely recognised as a leading practitioner in insurance law. Sources comment: "Osvaldo is the father of insurance law in Chile, and has been participating in the sector for many years. He is extremely well recognised and knowledgeable, and has wide-ranging experience in everything to do with insurance."

Senior Statesmen

Ricardo Peralta Valenzuela

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Senior statesman Ricardo Peralta Valenzuela of Peralta, Gutiérrez & Asociados garners praise from sources for his long-standing expertise in the insurance field. They describe him as a market leader in this sector.

Band 1

Alejandro Acuña Murray

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Leading practitioner Alejandro Acuña Murray is highly esteemed for his expertise in high-profile insurance-related disputes. Clients describe him as "an excellent litigator," adding: "He is probably one of the best and most well-recognised lawyers in Chile." He has additional capabilities advising on arbitration mandates.

Band 1

Manuel Carvallo

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Leading insurance expert Manuel Carvallo co-leads the practice, and is widely recognised for his experience in insurance fraud and marine insurance matters. Clients describe him as "efficient, responsible and reliable," with one source adding: "As a lawyer he looks to avoid confrontations, and instead tries to build bridges to solve legal problems. He provides insight into the legal system and with his level of technical advice, I feel very comfortable working with him."

Band 1

Emilio Sahurie

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Clients describe Emilio Sahurie of Sahurie & Asociados as "one of the best insurance lawyers here in Chile." He is recognised as an expert in insurance and reinsurance related matters, and offers a wealth of experience in advising clients on contentious cases.

Band 2

Sergio Arellano Iturriaga

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Sergio Arellano Iturriaga of SegurosLex is acclaimed for his academic and professional expertise in the insurance sector. He regularly assists with professional indemnity and civil liability cases. Sources describe him as "very knowledgeable and respected, and well known in the market."

Band 2

Gloria Claro

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Partner and co-head of department Gloria Claro is highlighted by market sources for her knowledge of insurance law. They describe her as "a great lawyer," and "an expert in this area." She offers significant expertise representing insured companies with their claims.

Band 2

Carlos Molina

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Partner Carlos Molina co-heads the practice, and is well known for his expertise in guarantee and credit insurance. Sources describe him as "a great lawyer," adding: "Carlos has a lot of specialised expertise and market knowledge, as well as experience handling infrastructure and construction insurance. He is also a great litigator and arbitrator."

Band 3

Andrés Amunátegui

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Partner Andrés Amunátegui heads the practice and advises on insurance-related litigation, complex claims, loss-adjustments and recovery actions. Clients praise his market knowledge and attention to detail, adding: "He is very good professionally, very clear when outlining his ideas, and he generates a lot of trust."

Band 3

Nicolás Canales

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Nicolás Canales of Puga Varela Canales is widely regarded for his work in the field of insurance law, with specialised knowledge in life insurance matters. He possesses additional experience in sector-related litigation, arbitration and regulatory issues.

Band 3

Felipe De la Fuente

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Felipe De la Fuente of Uribe, Hübner & Canales has recognised expertise in insurance and reinsurance matters, with additional capabilities in sector-related dispute resolution and regulatory work. One client says: "I would highlight his knowledge of the sector, his speed and way of working, and the trust he generates."

Band 3

Sergio Fernández

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Partner Sergio Fernández jointly leads the practice, and offers a wealth of experience in handling the commercial aspects of insurance law. He frequently advises clients in the construction, utilities and power generation industries.

Band 3

Felipe Hoetz

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Partner Felipe Hoetz has long-standing expertise in the insurance field, and is praised by market sources for the breadth of his experience in insurance-related law, which also spans reinsurance and loss adjustment.

Band 3

Jose Miguel Infante

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Jose Miguel Infante of Infante Valenzuela Molina Abogados is instructed by brokers and insurance companies and has additional experience in insurance regulation. Market sources highlight his long-standing experience in the field and expertise in insurance law.

Band 3

Roberto Ríos

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Roberto Ríos of Ríos, Tagle, Alessandri, Romero & Benítez is described by market commentators as "very knowledgeable, very well known and very respected, with a strong insurance practice." He focuses on the representation of insurance companies against third-party claims.

Band 3

Leslie Tomasello Hart

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Leslie Tomasello Hart of Tomasello y Weitz is well recognised for his experience in this field, offering particular expertise in shipping and maritime insurance. Sources praise his expertise in sector-related litigation, adding: "He is very academic and provides a lot of legal opinions for claims and insurance conflicts."

Up and Coming

Matías Vergara

From the Chambers Latin America guide

Matías Vergara is highly experienced in advising insurance companies on regulatory and administrative issues. He is widely praised by clients, with one interviewee stating: "I would highlight Matías for his knowledge, the way he presents himself, and the clear way in which he speaks to other parties during the discussions."

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